Thinking about joining a jazz group, but feeling shy or discouraged by the lack of other women musicians?

JazzGirls Day and JazzGirl programs are beginning to happen all over the US.

In 2015, there were JazzGirls events in Berkeley, San Francisco, Seattle and NYC and likely other cities around the country. In 2017, BHS Jazz Director Sarah Cline presented the idea at a national music educators’ conference.

JazzGirls Day at Berkeley High School

Every year in March—usually close to International Women’s Day—Berkeley High School Jazz produces JazzGirls Day. (Note, the 2018 date is in February.) The event is for girls only. Elementary and middle school musicians who play or sing jazz—or are thinking about trying it out—are invited to join professional female jazz musicians and educators for the afternoon. Activities include master classes, jam sessions, and a performance/concert by women jazz players. Female high school jazzistas from the Berkeley High jazz program serve as mentors and volunteers.

The Seventh Annual JazzGirls Day 2018 will be on Saturday, February 24, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Florence Schwimley Little Theatre at Berkeley High School. Registration opens at 12:30. The entrance is in downtown Berkeley on Allston Way between Milvia and MLK, Jr. Way.

The Berkeley JazzGirls Day event is FREE and open to ALL girls who sing or play an instrument.No pre-registration is required — just come with your instrument! (JazzGirls do not need to be enrolled in Berkeley schools.)

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The 4th Annual JazzGirls Day was on Saturday, March 7, 2015, at the Berkeley High School Community Theater.

The Berkeley High Jazz AssociationJazzGirls Day at Berkeley High School is in collaboration with SFJAZZ, under the direction of Rebecah Mauleon, and Jazz at Lincoln Center, under the direction of Jessica Jones.